Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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397. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government further to the strategic working group on shared services in public libraries of December 2013, if there are any proposed mergers of library authorities around the country; if so, the details of same; if a cost-benefit analysis has been carried out for shared library services, including the business case and any efficiencies costed; if a risk assessment has taken place; if there is a proposal to pilot the new structure at one location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13485/16]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Discussions have commenced with the relevant Chief Executives on the possibility of shared services across a number of library authorities. The areas being considered for a shared service approach include Carlow and Kilkenny; Cavan and Monaghan; Laois and Offaly; Leitrim, Roscommon and Sligo; Longford and Westmeath; and Cork City and Cork County. The proposed shared service structures are detailed in Managing the Delivery of Effective Library Services and were developed on foot of a risk assessment. A cost-benefit analysis was not carried out, however, as the reforms were identified as a means for achieving a greater and more equitable standard of library service rather than the requirement to drive greater cost efficiency.

These discussions will continue with Chief Executives in the coming months with a view to exploring how the proposals might best be implemented. It is too early to comment on detailed implementation arrangements, including the piloting of proposals in certain areas. All options will be considered as part of the discussion, however, with a view to securing the delivery of an enhanced quality and range of services and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the library service in these areas.